What to Do in Hydra Town in Greece

When arriving on the island of Hydra, which is a small island located on the Saronic Gulf in Greece, it’s easy to feel as if you stumbled on a hidden gem. Sure, the main port is a bustling place, but the island as a whole maintains a sense of peace and serenity that is more reminiscent of how Greece was before the invention of the automobile. This is due to the fact that there are no vehicles on the island that people can drive. Rather, you can only get around using the more traditional methods – by donkey or on foot. People’s journeys on the island began at Hydra Town where the port is located. Here’s a look at what to do in Hydra Town during your stay on this traditional island:

Visit the Beach

Although Hydra is a small island, there are at least ten major beaches located throughout the island. Some of these are located within a realistic traveling distance to Hydra Town so that you can enjoy the beach even if you are only here for a short time. Beaches to visit while here include Saint Nicholas Beach, which is considered by many visitors to be one of the highlights of the trip. Other beaches include Vlichos Beach and Kamina Beach.

Go Horseback Riding

Sure, you can walk or take a donkey to get around, but horseback riding is also a popular leisure activity amongst visitors here. Your best bet is to take a tour where an experienced guide will help you choose the perfect horse and also take you on a ride. They’ll weave you in and out of the traditional trails while also explaining to you a little it about the area. This offers people a nice departure from typical activities such as sitting at the beach and browsing through the ships.

Visit the Lazaros Koundouriotis Museum

The Lazaros Koundouriotis Museum is also know of those places you must visit when in Hydra Town, especially if you have an extended period of time to spend here. This is an official National Historic Museum and it is housed in on of the many mansions that are on the island. An interesting fact about Hydra is that it was never occupied by the Turks so many of the mansions and other historic places are still intact. The mansion where this museum is located is one of those places. The museum itself honors Koumdoiriotis, one of the major players during the Greek War for Independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Whether you stay on the island for an extended period of time or you only have a few hours to explore before your ferry or tour leaves, there’s something for everyone to do in Hydra Town. If your lucky enough to be here for a much longer period of time, exploring this town will only be part of your vacation and you will have a chance to see much more of the island. Besides enjoying these activities, there are also plenty of opportunities for eating a great meal and shopping!